Kumasi yesterday witnessed a rare piece of Asante cultural heritage with the celebration of Kuntunkunidae marking the 15th anniversary of the reign of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu11, Asantehene. It was the second Kuntunkunidae celebrated during the 15-year reign

A two-day international science forum is to take place at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi on May 8-9 as part of the events marking the 15th Anniversary of the ascension of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the Golden Stool.

The celebrations of the 15th Anniversary of the ascension of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the Golden Stool have begun in earnest. From the last Akwasidae when the Anniversary Programme was officially announced, two major events have been held

The University for Professional Studies (UPS) is to confer its first ever honorary doctorate degree on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the promotion of education in the country.

In addition, it has invited him to Chair its Centre for Traditional Leadership, established through the sponsorship of the European Union and the Association of African Universities.

Brazil’s Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Irene Galla, led a team of investors from Brazil to the Manhyia Palace and presented to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the new designs detailing out the redevelopment of Kejetia into a modern business hub.

ASANTEHENE CALLS FOR ENOUGH FUNDING FOR POLYTECHNICS

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene has called on the government to increase the funding of polytechnics so that they train middle level manpower to help in the country’s development.He noted that technical education will help the country’s middle level manpower to promote self employment after school.Otumfuo Osei Tutu was speaking to the Rector and Management of Kumasi Polytechnic who paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace.He said looking at courses being organized in the school; Kumasi Polytechnic should be the first to be considered for Technical University in the country.The Asantehene assured them that he will assist them to acquire lands for the expansion of the school and the establishment of Industrial hub for the students.He advised management to come together to support the Rector for the improvement of the school, adding I have seen some quietness in the school this time around.Professor N.N.N.Nsowah-Nuamah, the Rector of the school disclosed that in their bid to establish the Industrial hub, they have contacted the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to allow private companies to team up with the school so that they can provide buildings as a means of establishing Public Private Partnership (PPP).He said the management has contacted the Chiefs and people of Kuntanase and Pease for more than 30 acre land to help expand the school. The surveying of the land is on going.Professor Nsowah-Nuamah explained that under their PPP project, they will use part of the land to establish the Industrial hub where students will be made to set up industries after school.He disclosed that the students have invented sola wheel chair, solar fufu pounding machine, sola cooker and solar oven.Professor Nsowah-Nuamah also said the students are also manufacturing computers and mobile phones. In addition, the school has established an engineering laboratory to train students for self employment.